Exceptional Line-Up of World Elite Riders for the 2023 CDIO Compiègne

Dressage

France

An exceptional group of the world's elite riders has lined up to compete in the Grand Parc equestrian stadium for the 2023 CDIO 5* Compiègne. Hosting this outstanding international dressage competition for the 12th time, the historic city of Compiègne is welcoming riders and spectators for an exciting weekend of equestrian sport on 4 - 7 May 2023.

The 2023 CDIO 5* Compiègne has a full three-day programme with classes for youth riders from pony level to young riders; as well as a CDI 1* small tour and 3* big tour alongside the 5* FEI Nations Cup.

A demonstration by the World renowned freedom horse trainer Santi Serra Camps will bring the event to a conclusion on Sunday afternoon.

Exceptional Line-Up

A favourite on the calendar of numerous European and American dressage riders, the CDIO Compiègne brings the dressage elite to France.

The show is traditionally the first European leg of the annual FEI Nations' Cup series and with its 5* status attracts riders like magnets. None other than reigning World Champion Charlotte Fry (27) has signed up to compete in Compiègne. She will be bringing her 2019 European Championship team horse Dark Legend to compete alongside young British sensation Annabella Pidgley (18) aboard Vamos Amigos, who won silver at the 2022 World Championships under Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour.

"It’s a competition that I particularly appreciate, the site is superbly renovated, the arenas are perfect and there’s always a very good atmosphere," Fry said about the venue last year. "All the riders will tell you the same thing!’’

In 2022 the show premiered its brand new main stadium with grandstand and restaurant with panoramic view from which competition can be watched over two rings. The FEI Nations Cup will feature teams from Spain, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Big names such as Carina Cassoe Kruth (Heiline's Danciera), Severo Jurado Lopez (Furstenglory), Thamar Zweistra (Hexagon's Ich Weiss), Maria Caetano (Fenix de Tineo), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), and Patrik Kittel (Touchdown) are entered to compete amongst others.

France Has Focus on Paris 2024

With France hosting the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, French dressage riders have shifted into a higher gear in preparation of that ultimate dream target. The 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck in September are the mid-term goal.

Selected for the CDIO 5* tour are Morgan Barbançon (Bolero), Pauline Basquin (Sertorius de Rima Z), and Corentin Pottier (Gotilas). Alexandre Ayache (Jolene) will compete as an individual.

Jean Morel, French team selector and chef d’équipe, stated, "they’ve been working hard all winter. We’re lucky to have a Nations Cup of this level in France. We’ll be lining-up our best team at Compiègne with horses that are already competitive and which have been showing form over the last few months. All our horses are capable of crossing the symbolic 70% mark, and despite a few details needing improvement, the whole picture is very positive. Taking part is good, but we’d like to climb in the placings and why not even take a place on the podium.’’

Beloved Event

The CDIO Compiègne is an event beloved by riders, judges and spectators. The small tour and youth classes are packed with renowned combinations from across Europe.

They will be assessed by a distinguished panel of no less than 18 of the world's most esteemed judges, including Raphaël Saleh, Maria Colliander, Kurt Christensen, Eduard De Wolff Van Westerrode, Lionel Du Tranoy, Christof Umbach, Hans-Christian Matthiesen, Ulrike Nivelle, Mike Osinski, Frederico Pinteus, Anne Prain, Magnus Ringmark, Mariette Sanders van Gansewinkel, Sandrine Trimborn, Hans Voser, Isobel Wessels, Katrina Wuest, and Maribel Alonso.

The Great Santi Serra on Sunday

On Sunday 7 May 2023 the 12th edition of the international dressage competition concludes with a special show by Santi Serra, who has been invited by Compiegne Equestre.

Santi Serra will be showcasing his love for horses, dogs and birds. The Spanish artist, who is considered a magician and horse whisperer, will mesmerise the audience with a show before he flies off to North and South America for a big tour.

Entry is free on all three days. Trade fair and catering on site, free parking.

For more information, visit www.compiegne-equestre.com